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Summary: Here we have the preamble to the story of the birth of Jesus. In this story we hear that it was by the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary. We also are allowed entry into the mind of a perplexed Joseph, who being the just man he was, would not expose Mary to ridicule of being pregnant out of wedlock. In a dream all is made clear to Joseph and he follows God’s instruction and takes Mary into his home. Again the name Emmanuel surfaces and we see again that God indeed wishes to be in our midst, to be with us.

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Summary: John the Baptist is imprisoned and he sends his disciples to seek out Jesus to inquire if he is indeed the one who Israel has been awaiting. Jesus responds by indicating the works he has done. Go tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. This indeed is good news of great joy. John the Baptist has laid the ground work and paved the way for Jesus. Jesus is the One, and He brings joy to those who have long awaited this good news. John the Baptist plays a pivotal role in announcing the One who is the Good News.

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John the Baptist preaches the great need for repentance, in order for people to make the changes needed for harmony to exist in the community. John does not mince words with the religious leaders of the day and speaks to them about getting their houses in order because one mightier than he is about to appear on the scene.

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Summary: Vigilance is the absolute theme of this passage from Matthew’s gospel selected for this First Sunday of Advent. Jesus clearly indicates that calamity often occurs when one is not prepared or focused on that which is important. For the follower of Jesus it is essential to keep our eyes fixed on Him and on the Kingdom He preached. We are called to be prepared, that is vigilant and not passive in our waiting for the coming of the Lord. This Sunday and the Second Sunday of Advent place an emphasis on the second coming of the Lord, whereas the Third and Fourth Sundays will emphasize the coming of the Lord in history.

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Summary: Calvary is the scene for today’s gospel selection and the theme is forgiveness. Most specifically, the words of forgiveness are spoken to one of the criminals that is crucified alongside Jesus. You will notice that the criminal asks for forgiveness and does not presume it. He asks: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus’ reply is: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” We can see from this very short passage that to be forgiven we must seek forgiveness with an integrity of heart and never presume forgiveness, even though we have an “all loving God”. If we offend someone that we know loves us, we are called to ask for forgiveness and not simply presume that because of their love we are forgiven of our offense.

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Summary: In tandem with the other readings selected for this weekend, the gospel of Luke continues with the theme of the “end-times.” The gospel writer has Jesus painting a picture of utter destruction, turmoil, and enmity among people, even family members. Vivid images are drawn of the events; however, Jesus comforts those who hear of these experiences with the fact that their trust in Him will accompany them and sustain them throughout. He assures them that they need not worry, even in the midst of being hated because of His name. Ultimately trust and perseverance will see the believer through.

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Summary: In this Gospel passage from Saint Luke we see the Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection, asking Jesus a question about something they don’t believe in. Jesus is always willing to answer a valid question, but he sees this group for who they are and answers the Sadducees in manner that defies their disbelief. He recalls for them that God is an enduring God, by stating that in God’s encounter with Moses, God refers to Himself as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, a God of the living and not of the dead. God endures.

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Zacchaeus, very short in stature, becomes a towering symbol of faith in his encounter with Jesus. Here we have a short guy who scrambles up a tree to see this Jesus that he has heard so much about. Jesus takes the opportunity to help him get out of the situation of “being up a tree,” because of his past. In the conversation between Zacchaeus and Jesus, we see the two sides of the compassion in Jesus’ invitation to Zacchaeus and in Zacchaeus’ response. The Lord extends forgiveness to us, but there must be a response on our part. It is God’s intention that all the lost be found but the lost have to want to be found!

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Summary: In this Gospel selection from Saint Luke we see Jesus illustrate the differing approaches of two individuals in prayer. Both approach the temple area to pray and one, a Pharisee, boldly moves forward and seemingly prays to himself, lauding his many virtues and putting down others while doing so. The other, a tax collector, who would be seen as on the lowest rung of the social ladder, approaches the temple area in a very contrite manner with his head bowed and striking his breast as a sign of true contrition. The one who boasts his goodness but does not recognize his errors is not a person of justice, whereas the one who seeks forgiveness walks away justified.

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Summary: Jesus speaks of a woman who is persistent in seeking a judgment from a judge who has kept putting off making a judgment on the woman’s behalf. The woman remains constant in her pursuit and eventually the judge relents and provides a judgment. The judge renders a judgment, not because he is just, but because he has been worn down by the woman and fears that if he doesn’t respond the woman might do him harm. Jesus takes this opportunity to speak to the importance of remaining persistent in our prayer. Most especially, Jesus encourages us to remain faithful to our pursuit of justice. Fidelity to living a life rooted in justice is essential to living as a follower of Jesus Christ.